Tanjore Palace | Maratha Palace | Thanjavur Tourism

Maratha Palace | Thanjavur Tourism

Tanjore Palace, also known as the Maratha Palace, is a historical landmark located in Thanjavur (formerly known as Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, India. It was built in the 16th century by the Nayakas, and later renovated and expanded by the Maratha rulers in the 17th century.

The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Durbar Hall, the Royal Palace Museum, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library. The Durbar Hall is an impressive hall with intricately carved wooden pillars and ceilings, and was used for formal meetings and ceremonies by the rulers. The Royal Palace Museum houses a collection of artifacts and objects from the Maratha period, including weapons, paintings, and textiles. The Saraswathi Mahal Library is a rare manuscript library that has a collection of over 30,000 palm leaf manuscripts and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages.

Thanjavur is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage and architecture. In addition to the Tanjore Palace, other popular attractions in the city include the Brihadeeswarar Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Thanjavur Art Gallery, and the Schwartz Church. The city is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as the Tanjore painting and the Thanjavur veena (a musical instrument).

There are several attractions in Thanjavur (Tanjore) that are worth seeing. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thanjavur. The temple, also known as the Big Temple, was built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century and is known for its massive, intricately carved vimana (tower).

Tanjore Palace: The palace complex, also known as the Maratha Palace, is a historical landmark in the city and consists of several buildings and courtyards. The Durbar Hall, the Royal Palace Museum, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library are some of the notable features of the palace.

Schwartz Church: This is an 18th-century church located in Thanjavur and is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture. It was built by the Danish missionary, Christian Friedrich Schwartz, and has a unique blend of European and Indian architectural styles.

Thanjavur Art Gallery: This museum houses a collection of ancient and contemporary art and artifacts from the Chola and Nayak periods. The gallery has a vast collection of bronze and stone sculptures, paintings, and handicrafts.

Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple: This is a popular temple dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and fertility. The temple is known for its colorful and vibrant architecture and is a must-visit for those interested in South Indian temple architecture.

Saraswathi Mahal Library: This is a rare manuscript library that houses a collection of over 30,000 palm leaf manuscripts and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. The library is a treasure trove of ancient knowledge and is a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.

These are just a few of the top attractions in Thanjavur. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as the Tanjore painting and the Thanjavur veena.